First “Bethel Park Art & Music Festival” to be held July 27

Mark your calendars for the First Annual “Bethel Park Art & Music Festival” to be held Saturday, July 27 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the new Bethel Park ‘Park Ave. Streetscape’ running from the Schoolhouse Arts & History Center (2600 S Park Rd.)  to the Bethel Park Community Center (5151 Park Ave.).

The FREE event will consist of live music throughout the day along with the work of over 80 local and regional artists on display (and available for purchase).  Other activities will include food trucks, access to the new Bethel Park 1.05-acre Splash Park, raffles, and more!

The festival was actually in the making for the last 10 years according to Andy Amrhein, owner of Evey True Value Hardware in Bethel Park, vice president of the Bethel Park Community Foundation and member of the Bethel Park Educational Foundation.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time,” he said.  “I have a lot of musician and artist friends and I’ve always wanted to do something nice to help them especially after the covid pandemic when many of them struggled to stay afloat.  So, I thought of the idea of a festival and after consulting with the Fantastic Four Charities in Bethel Park along with the Municipality and School District, I realized that we could make it happen!”

Bethel Park’s Fantastic Four Charities include the Bethel Park Educational Foundation, Bethel Park Community Foundation, Bethel Park Historical Society, and the Bethel Park Public Library.  Event proceeds will benefit these organizations as well as Bethel Park Recreation.

“This is another example of how a dedicated group of leaders in the community leverage public and private partnerships to create an event that adds to the wonderful quality of life in Bethel Park,” said Bethel Park Municipal Manager Kristen Denne.

Bethel Park Historical Society President Tim Moury agrees.  “I think this will be the event of the year and a first of its kind in Bethel Park.  It’s also a great way to showcase our Schoolhouse Arts & History Center which is home to South Arts Pittsburgh,” he said.

Bethel Park Public Library Executive Director Christine McIntosh said, “This is a great opportunity for the community to come together and do something enjoyable while supporting our local artists and musicians.  Often, fundraisers are about what everyone can do for a particular organization, but this event is all of us giving back to the community offering a great day of fun while we benefit as well!”

Four Pittsburgh Premier Artists will be at the festival – Linda Barnicott, JP Diroll, Maria DeSimone Prascak, and Johno Prascak.  They’ll be located at the Bethel Park Community Center.

Bands include the Ringgold String Band (10-11 a.m.); Steel City Calypso (12-1 p.m.); Rick Purcell Trio (1:30-3 p.m.); Hugo Cruz & the Caminos (4-5 p.m.); and Classic Brew Band (6-8 p.m.).

Food trucks are still being added, but to date include Bethel Bakery, Cilantro & Ayo, Mr. Bulgogi, Vaya, and Johnny’s Seafood Shack.

The Bethel Park Splash Park will be offering $5 family passes for the day as well.

“Business support has been incredible,” said Amrhein.  “We’ll be accepting sponsors right up to the day of the event!”

Sponsorships include $250 to have a booth on the field; $500 – Bronze Sponsor; $1,000 – Silver Sponsor; $2,500 – Gold Sponsor; and a $5,000 – Platinum Sponsor.  Those interested should contact Amrhein for more details at [email protected] or by calling 412-760-9614.  Artists are also still being accepted and can contact Amrhein as well.

With thousands expected to attend, shuttle service will be provided by the Bethel Park School District running from the following lots every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. – South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM), 5301 Park Ave.; Bethel Park High School, 309 Church Rd.; and the Port Authority Park and Ride lot, 5081 Brightwood Rd.  Guests will be dropped off directly in front of the Bethel Park Community Center.  Park Ave. will be closed during the festival.

“Event proceeds will be used by the Community and Educational Foundations to fund grants to give back to the community.  And the Library will use their portion for youth and adult classes and programs,” said McIntosh.

“We’ll be using our portion for repairs to the Schoolhouse Arts & History Center building and to expand our lecture series,” said Moury.

Recreation will be using their portion towards future programs and initiatives according to Recreation Director Jason Mentel.

“Come enjoy all or part of this special day!” said Amrhein.  “It’s a truly a unique opportunity for our community to come together and have fun!”

For a full list of artists and event details, visit https://BETHELPARKAMF.WIXSITE.COM/HOME.

The festival will be held rain or shine.  And be on the watch for the next Fantastic Four Charity event to be held Feb. 1, 2025 – a chili cookoff and bourbon/wine tasting.